A boy called Bat

Name: A boy called Bat
Author: Elana K. Arnold
ISBN: 9780062445827

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Elana K. Arnold

Boy Called Bat

Reading Level 4-5 C · Gentle Ages 5-8 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes. Its HootRating code, C, means gentle content.

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About This Book

Bat is a unique boy who finds joy and comfort when his mom brings home a tiny skunk needing care. As he bonds with the little animal, Bat hopes to prove that this unusual friend can be more than just a pet. Along the way, he navigates school, family, and friendships with heart and humor.

Challenged Book

About & Banning Context

Ages 5–8

In this engaging middle grade story, readers are introduced to Bixby Alexander Tam, affectionately known as Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum. Bat's life is filled with unexpected events, but one day brings a delightful surprise when his mother, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk for temporary care. Instantly drawn to the skunk, Bat believes they are meant to be together and is determined to convince his mother that he would make an excellent pet. Throughout the narrative, Bat navigates various challenges at school with peers and teachers, as well as family dynamics involving his sister and divorced parents. The book offers a heartfelt exploration of Bat's journey and his unique perspective on the world.

Key Themes

autism family dynamics friendship pets divorce

Awards & Accolades (10)

● 2021 Young Hoosier Book Award winner (2020)
● Nutmeg Book Award winner (2020)
● 2020 Louisiana Readers' Choice Awards nominee (2019)
● Grand Canyon Reader Award nominee (2019)
● Massachusetts Children's Book Award nominee (2019)
● Rhode Island Children's Book Award nominee (2019)
● 2019 Virginia Readers' Choice Award nominee (2018)
● Global Read Aloud selection (2018)
+ 2 more

Reviewed By

★ School Library Journal ★ Publishers Weekly ★ Kirkus Reviews

Source: Unite Against Book Bans — A boy called Bat

Themes

AutismFriendship FamilyWildlife RehabilitationJuvenile Fiction

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 4-5 book with gentle content intensity. Content themes include identity & self-discovery, family change. Written for readers ages 5-8.

Why we rated A boy called Bat C (Gentle)

A boy called Bat is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 198 pages (approximately 21,209 words). Reading-wise, most kids in grade 6 and up can manage A boy called Bat on their own; younger readers can enjoy it with a parent or teacher reading along.

Read aloud, A boy called Bat runs about 2.4 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.

We rate A boy called Bat as C (Gentle) because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Identity & Self-Discovery, Family Change.

Thematically, A boy called Bat explores autism, friendship, family, wildlife rehabilitation, and juvenile fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about autism, friendship, family.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there are 3 more books in the Boy Called Bat series.

Maybe not for

! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.

For Parents

Content Intensity

C · Gentle

Emotional

Gentle

Physical

Gentle

Social

Gentle

Thematic

Gentle

Reading the HootRating code: the first letter is the content intensity (C = Gentle · L = Mild · M = Moderate · I = Intense · V = Very Intense); the second, when there is one, is the kind of content that drives it (E = Emotional · P = Physical · S = Social · T = Thematic). Reading level and age range are rated separately. How we rate

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.